Lauren Wilson- BA (Hons) Interior Design
Tropic
About Lauren
Lauren started her interior design degree at the Manchester School of Art in 2023. Throughout this time she developed a passion for translating brand identity and philosophy into immersive physical spaces. She particularly enjoys the concept and research phase, transforming these elements into responsive environments. In her third year, Lauren's focus shifted towards neuroinclusive design, recognising its critical absence in retail. She believes it's essential for true accessibility, ensuring everyone can thrive in the built environment and moving beyond a "one-size-fits-all" mentality to design for diverse needs, ultimately creating spaces that benefit all.
About the project
This project proposes a neuroinclusive retail experience for Tropic Skincare, revolutionising traditional store design to be accessible and deeply responsive to the diverse needs of neurodivergent individuals. Moving beyond a conventional 'one-size-fits-all' approach, which often creates significant barriers, this design acknowledges the varied sensory processing and social preferences within the neurodiverse community. Customers are empowered to choose their own shopping journey, opting for different routes that were carefully designed for an array of sensory preferences – from engaging, immersive experiences with staff guidance to tranquil, self-directed paths supported by AI and visual assistance. This customisation directly embodies Tropic's ethos, ensuring every customer, especially neurodiverse shoppers, feels comfortable, confident, and in control of their experience, significantly reducing potential overwhelm. Additionally the top floor serves as a Tropic ambassador hub, fostering community and addressing social and employment barriers for neurodiverse individuals. Here people can develop marketing and business skills, build confidence, and gain practical experience by hosting pop-ups for new product launches. The concept of ecosystems is intricately woven throughout the space, highlighting Tropic's commitment to ethically sourced ingredients from natural environments and underscoring the vital importance of sustainability for both the beauty industry and design.
